THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Evening Star, Issue 3310, 29 September 1873, Page 3

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[By Electric Telegraph.]

Wellington, September 27. In the House of Representatives, at the evening sitting, a long discussion took place regarding the practice of clearing the galleries The Speaker said the right of clearing the galleries rested with him. On the question of publishing unprinted papers lying on the table of the House, the Speaker said that any member might do so, unless in a case where it was the expresseed opinion of the House ; that the papers should not be printed. The following Estimates were passed • Government Domain, LI, 108; Museum, L 600; Colonial Architect, L 45 0; Public Works, L 12.168 ; Inspector of Stores Depot, L 507; Roads in North Island, L7,93l 18s 8d ; Roads in Middle Island, L7BO ; Railways in North Island, L 10,842 11s 8d ; Railways in Middle Island, L 15.504 16s 8d ; Land Purchase Officers, L 1,652 5s ; Water Races, LI, 175 ; Agent-General’s Office, London, L 5.155 ; Under-Secretary’s Department, L 1,280 15s ; Immigration, Auckland, L 235 ; do Taranaki, L 25 ; do Hawke’s Bay, L 570 ; do Wellington, L 67 0; do Nelson, 125; do Marlborough, L 3 5; do Westland, LSO ; do Canterbury, L 995 ; do Otago, L 88 0; Repairs to Immigration Barracks and Quarantine Stations, LI,000; Contingencies, LI,000; Completion of Immigration Barracks, L 2.076. The Native Land Duties Bill, Native Land Claims Rehearing Bill, Native Guarantees Bill, and Native Councils Bill passed the second readings. t In the Legislative Council the Governor a Salary Bill passed the second reading, only Mr Sewell objecting. He said in view of the probable imposition of heavy taxes, it was not desirable to increase the Governor’s

salary. The Search for Minerals Bill, and Railways Regulation and Inspection Bill were read a second time. The Diseased Cattle Bill was read a third time, . The Licensing Bill was read a second time without discussion. The Goldfields Act Amendment Bill was read a second time. The Clyde Municipal Borrowing Bill, and Clemon Scrip Bill, were thrown out. The Queenstown Reserves Bill and Native Reserves Bill were read a third time. September 29.

At the caucus convened by Ministers today, a resolution proposed by Mr Macandrcw was carried, to the effect that the session be brought to a close as speedily as possible; and that during the recess the Government carefully prepare Bills to put the relations of the two Houses on a more satisfactory footing. (FROM our special correspondent.) The Independent this morning, on the question what the Government propose to do in the present deadlock, says : —“ If the question is allowed to stand over this session, the government of the Colony will be transferred from the representatives of the people to a majority of twenty-four irresponsible nominees,” and inquires whether the Government have any determination to deal with the question. The cause of the deadlock is that the Council have found, in fact, the members of the House of Kepreaentatives, under various excuses of party ties and wants for their districts, have almost completely divested themselves of all belief in their obligation to give their votes according to their convictions. The Auckland Loan Bill was drawn upon the redudio ad absurdnm principle of Provincial borrowing. No one in either House had any faith in its schedule. The Council will probably decline to consider any other scheme of borrowing this session. The article concludes by drawing attention to the fact that Victoria now finds itself ip. reference t® the Upper House in a similar condition to ourselves. Members have determined to go home. The Council in their present temper will not pass any borrowing Bill, and it will now be seen how the Northern Provinces will get on ■without charitable aid. The Lower House will get through. nearly all the business today. Forty-five members attended the Government caucus to day. It is said it was proposed to reconstruct the Cabinet, but I will not vouch for the truth of the rumor. Mr Macandrew is a passenger by the Alhambra. Mr Harrison this afternoon brought down a resolution that it is desirable to elicit the opinion of the House as to reconstructing the Council.—Mr Vogel, in reply, said it was a measure the Government should take charge of, and not private members.